Palm Tree Academy

My daughter has been going to the “big mesita” now for a couple of years and one thing that sticks out to me the most is the staff’s attitudes. Throughout the years, my daughter has told me how the lunchroom personnel and some of the teachers are condescending and just seem downright annoyed when they speak to the kids. My husband even witnessed a situation like this there in person. I’m not ok with this. I don’t send my child to school to be abused or ridiculed & I’ll be damned if someone gives my kid a complex. They need some training on how to manage children more effectively. I can understand now why no one wants to go the public school route anymore.

After numerous grievances on Paras and Sped teacher , the principal celebrated on campus the work of questionable Paras involved in inappropriate situations. Turning an eye on this type of workmanship and celebrating those who earned being left out this year.

We have really enjoyed our year at Rivera. My son is excited about school and enjoys his classmates and teachers. I appreciate that it is a smaller school and the staff seems to know all the students. I was sad when they had a few kids transfer out the second week and they went from two kinders of 15 kids each to one kinder class of 25, I know it is a public school and they have to use resources in the best way but bummed that it went from such a small class to such a large one in a matter of days. The crosswalk guards, the cafeteria and recess monitors all know our sons name and take the time to say hi to him and all the students as they arrive at school. They all seem to be so cheerful and it really begins his day on a high note being welcomed to the school like that. I will say we have had no special attention or needs and I am not sure if those things are handled well or not here, I have heard mixed reviews from friends who have needed special services. I do love that it has a small school feel and helpful staff. The things I am disappointed about (Side bar if we were not moving this summer I would get more involved and I did attempt to join the PTA but after the first virtual meeting I never heard anything additional) I am sad that we haven't had one fieldtrip, one class party where I could participate or come in to be a room mom, no field day, no muffins with mom, no parents involved dances (these are things I have seen at other elementary schools in EPISD). I am sure these are things that are so dependent on volunteers and I know the lady who is running the PTA just started to organize this year so hopefully that will change but I was def. jealous and bummed that I felt like I didn't have anyway to participate in the school activities and or the lack of them. Overall I would still have picked this school. We are in walking distance, and I loved walking him to and from school each day and my close proximity for when he has been sick etc. I do still think he has learned SO much and appreciate the school staff that pours into him each day.

This school is a problem Donald Belknap is not a person who should be a principal. None of the assistant or principals have been any good. None care to solve problems or even begin to listen. The bullying is OUT OF CONTROL and the district does not look into this. Some of the administration is horrible and rude such as Elizabeth Chaparro who cannot be bothered to help. If you want to be miserable along with your child enroll here.Esta escuela es muy mala paraos niños, los encargados (principals) asistentes también son pésimos se creen más altos que lo que son y nunca te dan la carra. Es un juego de perder con ellos donde vas a ser el problema si te quejas y comienza el acoso. Muy mala escuela, todo es por el cheque y se nota. A los niños los acosan otros grupos que son más superiores y nunca se acaba el bullying dicen que no existe los principals. Muy mala escuela

This used to be a great school 3 years ago, but they have a new principal and have had some changes that have not been good in the long run. Also some of the teachers and staff that were really good with the children have left. So now we’re left the mediocre to less teaching our kids

I have had a wonderful experience this year as a Murphree parent. My child is loving the classes, teachers and classmates in the middle school. Episd makes it easy to check grades and communicate with the teachers through the parent portal and the app. The uniform is flexible compared to our previous school and my child seems more comfortable and happy with this school than the previous one. I can see big improvements in her grades and attitude. The school also has a variety of clubs and extracurricular to keep kids engaged and the discipline is excellent.